Weekly Assignment
Week One: "My Cave"
My First Weekly Assignment: My Cave
Plato’s “Allegory of the Cave” significantly relates to my life. Plato’s cave is a place of false truths. Prisoners in the cave grow accustomed to the shadowed reality and, in doing so, seek comfort in these truths.
Personally, I have experienced the ease to grow comfortable in an aspect that lacks reality, and the painful struggle in accepting the truth. The most obvious example that comes to mind is Santa Claus. I vividly remember my devotional belief in Santa. Every Christmas Eve I lied in my bed anxiously listening in hopes of the sound of sleigh bells. Then, during the early December of fourth grade (I know, I was late), I was talking with my cousin who is my age. Somewhere in our conversation, I asked him what he wanted from Santa. He laughed and scorned, “You don’t still believe in Santa, do you?” I looked at him blankly and then ran around the house to fine my mom. I asked in paranoia, “Mom, is Santa real?” She unsuccessfully attempted to hold back a smile. “He is if you want him to be.” My mind went numb. Something I had had faith in my whole life ceased to exist. Did this mean the Easter Bunny and Tooth Fairy weren’t true either? Was it possible that Ozzie Smith did not take off his shoes during a game and give them to my dad knowing that I would be a great player one day-- but rather buy them at an auction? I didn’t know what to believe anymore, and grew paranoid of my parents. Eventually I became comfortable with the fact that there is no Santa.
Another more current example of my being in a cave would be my dealings with anger. I don’t necessarily have a short temper, but I have only extreme moods. I can be patient for quiet a while, but once I snap, my mood accelerates to extreme frustration. Once angry, I stay angry. It is easier for me to remain angry than to try and forgive right a way. This is not only comfortable for me, but has become a habit. When I get mad, I want to hold on to it and enjoy it. I realize that this can often be pointless and unrealistic, yet I am almost addicted to it. I never even realized my nature to do this until this summer as I spent more time with my brother, the epitome of annoyance. The only way I see of resolving this issue is to train myself to gain more self control and invent a plan to calm myself when frustrated. Personally, having a conversation with God is my best way of calming down. It helps me think more rationally and put things into perspective. When praying, I think about God’s love for me and whoever I am mad at. Although I tell myself to pray when I am upset, it’s hard to pray when I am in that state of mood. Lately, I have improved in controlling my anger, and I think as time progresses and I continue to train myself, I will forgive more quickly.